Ireland Family Travel Itinerary: The Perfect 7–14 Day Routes

Planning a family trip to Ireland is a balancing act between two very different realities.

On one hand, you have the "Instagram Ireland": the Cliffs of Moher glowing at sunset, the empty white-sand beaches of Donegal, and the cozy pints of Guinness next to a turf fire in a thatched cottage.

On the other hand, you have the "Parenting Reality": the motion sickness on narrow winding roads, the jet-lagged toddlers waking up at 4 AM, and the logistical puzzle of trying to fit three suitcases and a stroller into a rental car the size of a shoebox.

Most families make one fatal mistake when planning their Irish adventure: They try to do too much.

They look at a map, see that Ireland is roughly the size of Indiana, and assume they can drive from Dublin to Dingle to Belfast in a single day. They aim for the "Ultimate Road Trip" but end up with the "Ultimate Meltdown."

This guide is different. We have thrown out the impossible schedules and the "tick-box" tourism. Instead, we have built a series of stress-tested family itineraries designed specifically for parents.

Whether you have 7 days or 2 weeks, whether you want to brave the roads yourself or hire a local expert to handle the logistics, we have a route for you.

Part 1: The "Physics" of an Irish Family Trip

Before you pick a route, you need to understand the rules of the road. Ireland operates on its own time zone, and we don't mean Greenwich Mean Time. We mean "Irish Country Time."

1. The "100km Rule"

In the US, Canada, or Australia, driving 100km (62 miles) takes about 60 minutes on a highway. In rural Ireland, 100km takes two hours.

Why? Because once you leave the main M-motorways, the roads become narrow, winding tracks lined with stone walls. You will get stuck behind tractors. You will get stuck behind tour buses. You will—guaranteed—get stuck behind a flock of sheep being moved from one field to another.

• The Family Fix: Never plan more than 3 hours of driving in a single day. Any more, and you lose the children (and your sanity).

2. The "Unpack Once" Rule

Moving hotels every single night is a logistical nightmare when you are hauling suitcases, strollers, and travel cribs. It means you spend your entire vacation packing and unpacking.

• The Strategy: All our itineraries rely on the "Hub" concept: staying 3 nights in one location (e.g., Killarney) and doing day trips from there.
• Read More: If you hate packing, check out our guide to Slow Travel Ireland: The "One Base" Vacation, which explains how to rent one luxury house for a week and let the experiences come to you.

3. The Transport Question: To Drive or Be Driven?

This is the biggest financial and logistical decision you will make.

• Self-Drive: Gives you total freedom, but requires nerves of steel. You will be driving on the left, navigating "boreens" (narrow country lanes), and likely dealing with a manual transmission (stick shift).
• Private Driver/Guide: This is the stress-free option. A local driver handles the roads, the parking, and the history lessons. It turns the "transfer" time into "tour" time.
• Read More: See the detailed comparison in our Dublin to Galway Road Trip Stops guide.

Part 2: The Routes (Choose Your Adventure)

We have broken these down by length and travel style. Click the links to see the day-by-day breakdown for each.

The "Classic" Loops (First-Time Visitors)

These are the best routes for families visiting Ireland for the first time. They hit the major highlights but pace them in a way that keeps kids happy.

Option A: 7 Days in Ireland (The "No Tears" Express)

• Best For: Families with young children (toddlers/under 5s) or limited vacation time.
• The Route: Dublin → Kilkenny → Cashel → Clare (Cliffs) → Galway → Dublin.
• The Vibe: Relaxed. We cut out the North and the far South to focus on the "Big Three": Dublin, Kilkenny, and Galway.
• Why it works: You get the Cliffs of Moher and a castle, but you aren't spending 6 hours in a car. It prioritizes playgrounds over pubs and includes easy, stroller-friendly walks.
• Key Stops: Dublin Zoo, Kilkenny Castle Park, Cliffs of Moher (via the safe paved path).
• 👉 View the full route: 7 Days in Ireland with Kids

Option B: 10 Days in Ireland (The Ultimate Loop)

• Best For: Families with school-age kids or teens who want to see it all.
• The Route: Dublin → Kilkenny → Cork → Kerry (Killarney) → Clare → Galway → Dublin.
• The Vibe: Comprehensive. This is the "Goldilocks" trip. It adds the famous Ring of Kerry and Killarney National Park to the 7-day loop.
• Why it works: You have enough time to actually do activities (falconry, hiking, sheepdog demos) rather than just taking photos and leaving. It follows the "3-3-3 Rule" (3 nights Dublin, 3 nights Kerry, 3 nights Galway).
• Key Stops: Killarney National Park, The Gap of Dunloe, Galway City Latin Quarter.
• 👉 View the full route: 10-Day Ireland Itinerary Family

The "Region Specific" Routes (Deep Dives)

If you have already seen Dublin, or just hate crowds, pick one of these focused regions. These routes allow you to go deeper into the culture.

Option C: The Wild Atlantic Way (The Surf Coast)

• Best For: Active families, surfers, and nature lovers.
• The Route: Clare → Galway → Mayo → Sligo.
• The Vibe: Wild, windy, and wet. This route ignores the cities and hugs the west coast. It’s about beaches, cliffs, and seafood.
• Highlights: Surf lessons in Lahinch, Glamping in the Aran Islands, cycling the Great Western Greenway (a car-free bike path).
• 👉 View the full route: Wild Atlantic Way with Kids

Option D: Ireland’s Ancient East (The History Loop)

• Best For: History buffs and families who want shorter drives.
• The Route: Wicklow → Wexford → Waterford → Kilkenny.
• The Vibe: Knights, Vikings, and Monks. This route goes south of Dublin.
• Why it works: The weather is often better (the "Sunny South East"), and it is far less crowded than the West Coast. The drives between towns are rarely more than 45 minutes.
• Highlights: The Viking VR Experience in Waterford, the Dunbrody Famine Ship, Hook Head Lighthouse.
• 👉 View the full route: Ireland’s Ancient East with Kids

Option E: The Shannon Airport Loop (West Coast Only)

• Best For: North Americans flying direct to Shannon (SNN).
• The Route: Shannon → Bunratty → Dingle → Cliffs of Moher → Galway → Shannon.
• The Vibe: Zero City Stress. You skip Dublin entirely. You land, and 45 minutes later you are at a castle. This is the most efficient way to see the "Green Ireland" without the "City Ireland."
• Highlights: Bunratty Folk Park, Dingle Peninsula, Cliffs of Moher.
• 👉 View the full route: The Shannon Airport Loop Itinerary

The "Special Interest" Routes

Option F: Southern Ireland (The Foodie & Wildlife Route)

• Best For: Families who love food and animals.
• The Region: Cork and Kerry.
• The Draw: Cork is the food capital of Ireland. West Cork offers the best whale watching in Europe.
• Highlights: The English Market (for food tours), Fota Wildlife Park (animals roam free), Night Kayaking in Lough Hyne.
• 👉 View the full route: Southern Ireland Family Road Trip

Option G: Northern Ireland (Giants & Thrones)

• Best For: Families with teens or fans of Game of Thrones.
• The Draw: It feels like a different country (because it is). The history is complex, the myths are legendary, and the scenery is dramatic.
• Highlights: Titanic Belfast (the world's best attraction), The Giant’s Causeway (climbing the stones), The Dark Hedges.
• 👉 View the full route: Northern Ireland with Kids

Part 3: Driving in Ireland (A Survival Guide)

This is the number one source of anxiety for parents. Before you commit to a self-drive itinerary, you need to know what you are signing up for.

The Roads

Ireland has three main road types:

1. M-Roads (Motorways): Like US Interstates. Fast, wide, boring. (e.g., Dublin to Galway).
2. N-Roads (National): Good quality, usually two lanes.
3. L-Roads (Local) & R-Roads (Regional): These are where the magic is, but they are often single-lane tracks with grass growing in the middle and hedges so high you can't see over them.

The Google Maps Lie: Google Maps will tell you a route takes 2 hours. It assumes you are driving at the speed limit (80km/h). On a twisty L-Road, you will be doing 40km/h. Always add 25% to Google’s time estimate.

The Automatic vs. Manual Issue

• Standard: 80% of rental cars in Ireland are Manual (Stick Shift).
• The Trap: If you cannot drive stick, you must explicitly book an Automatic. They cost about 30-50% more and sell out months in advance.
• The Solution: If the thought of shifting gears with your left hand while navigating a roundabout terrifies you, hire a Private Driver. The cost difference is often less than you think when you factor in insurance, gas, and stress.

Car Seats & Taxis

• Important: In Ireland, taxi drivers are not legally required to carry car seats. If you hail a cab on the street, you will have to hold your baby on your lap (not safe).
• The Fix: If you need a transfer, you must pre-book a private service that guarantees child seats.
• Read More: See our guide to One Day in Dublin with Toddlers for details on getting around the city safely.

Part 4: Budgeting for Your Itinerary

"How much will this cost?" is the question everyone asks. Ireland is not a cheap destination, but it offers value if you plan right.

Here is a rough estimate for a family of 4 (2 adults, 2 kids) for 7 Days:

1. The Self-Drive Budget (Mid-Range)

• Car Rental: €600 - €900 (Automatic Minivan/SUV + Full Insurance).
• Gas/Tolls: €250.
• Accommodation: €1,400 - €2,000 (Mix of B&Bs and Hotels).
• Food: €800 (Pub lunches, supermarket breakfasts).
• Activities: €300 (Family tickets to Cliffs, Castles, etc).
• Total: €3,350 - €4,250

2. The Private Driver Budget (Stress-Free)

• Driver/Guide (Vehicle + Gas + Tolls + Driver included): €3,500 - €4,500.
• Accommodation: €1,400 - €2,000.
• Food: €800.
• Activities: €300.
• Total: €6,000 - €7,600

The Value Proposition: The Private Driver option costs about €2,500 more. However, it removes:

• The risk of damaging a rental car (which happens frequently on stone walls).
• The need for a designated driver (parents can enjoy a pint with lunch).
• The stress of navigation and marital arguments over map reading.
• For many families, that peace of mind is worth every cent.

Part 5: What to Pack (4 Seasons in 1 Day)

There is an Irish saying: "If you don't like the weather, wait 5 minutes." You will experience rain, sun, wind, and hail—often all before lunch.

The Essentials Checklist

1. Waterproof Shells: Not "water resistant." Waterproof. You need a jacket that can withstand a horizontal Atlantic downpour.
2. Layers: It is rarely freezing, but it is often damp. Pack fleeces and hoodies that can be taken off easily.
3. Proper Shoes: Leave the white Converse at home. They will get muddy. Bring waterproof hiking boots or leather sneakers.
4. The "Car Bag": If you are driving, pack a separate bag for the car with change of clothes, towels (for wet slides), and snacks.

Part 6: Feeding Fussy Eaters in Ireland

One of the biggest worries for parents is food. The good news is that Ireland is incredibly easy for fussy kids.

• The "Kids Menu" Standard: Almost every pub and restaurant has a kids' menu. It is universally consistent: Sausages & Chips (Fries), Chicken Goujons (Tenders) & Chips, or Pasta with Red Sauce.
• Soup & Brown Bread: This is the secret weapon. Every pub serves fresh vegetable soup with homemade soda bread. It is healthy, warm, and cheap (€6–€8). Most kids love dipping the bread.
• Supermarkets: Marks & Spencer and Dunnes Stores sell high-quality pre-cut fruit, yogurt pouches, and snacks that are similar to US/UK brands.
• Allergies: Ireland has strict EU food laws. Every menu must list 14 allergens (Gluten, Dairy, Nuts, etc.) by number. It is very safe for allergy sufferers.

Part 7: How to Upgrade Your Itinerary (The "Local Expert" Advantage)

You can download a PDF itinerary, but a piece of paper can't check the weather or entertain a bored teenager. This is where Local Experts change the game.

We aren't just talking about "Private Drivers" (though they are brilliant). We are talking about passion-led guides.

1. The Storytellers (Private Driver-Guides)

A rental car is just a vehicle. A Driver-Guide is a narrator.

• The Value: They know the "Fairy Trees" you shouldn't touch. They know which farm has the best sheepdog demo. They handle the narrow roads while you play 'I Spy' with the kids.

2. The Specialists (Day Tours)

Even if you self-drive, booking a specialist for one day can save the trip.

• The Foodie Guide: In Cork or Galway, hire a guide to take you tasting. They get you into the kitchens and introduce the kids to oysters and artisan chocolate.
• The Nature Guide: In Kerry or Connemara, a "Ghillie" or marine biologist can take you rock-pooling or deer stalking. It turns a walk into a National Geographic episode.
• The History Guide: In Belfast or Derry, the history is recent and raw. A local guide navigates the politics and stories of the "Troubles" in a way a plaque never could.

Part 8: Final Logistics Checklist

Before you lock in your route, check these three boxes:

1. Accommodation: Have you booked "Family Rooms"? In Ireland, many hotel rooms are small. Look for "Triple" or "Quad" rooms.
2. Car Rental: Do you need an Automatic? You must book this specifically, as Manual (Stick Shift) is the standard.
3. The "Must-Dos": Have you pre-booked the big ticket items? The Harry Potter Train (Jacobite style) or Skellig Michael tours sell out months in advance.

Ready to Build Your Perfect Trip?

You have the routes. Now you need the team. Search our directory to find the local drivers, guides, and experts who can turn these itineraries into reality.

Browse Family-Friendly Drivers & Guides in Ireland →